WEST LINN, OR – February 6, 2024 – In November of 2022, the City of West Linn commissioned an independent investigation into the City of West Linn Police Department (WLPD)’s adherence to internal policies and procedures throughout the criminal investigation of former doctor David Farley. The City of West Linn retained independent investigator Jill Goldsmith, J.D., of Workplace Solutions NW to conduct the investigation. 

A final report detailing the investigation was delivered to the City’s law firm Jordan Ramis on the evening of Thursday, February 1, 2024. The West Linn City Council met in Executive Session on the afternoon of Friday, February 2, 2024, to review the report. In open session on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, the Council voted unanimously to release the report to the public in its entirety. The report can be found on the City’s website at https://westlinnoregon.gov/citycouncil/independent-investigation-report-farley-case.

It is clear from this report that we did not always follow our policies. We could and should have done better. Although the report makes no conclusions regarding the sufficiency of the criminal case against Farley, the City is grateful for the opportunity to use this report to improve our internal processes. Accountability is one of WLPD’s five core values, and we are committed to seeking out ongoing educational and training opportunities around sexual abuse and trauma-informed investigation practices. 

We will move forward by providing our officers with specialized trauma-informed training that teaches subtleties of conduct and empathy in ways that prioritize the well-being of survivors of traumatic crimes. We recently created a detective sergeant position to provide enhanced oversight of investigations. We will hold a department-wide debrief of this investigation to discuss our performance on this case and reflect on the impacts to the community. We will continue to work closely with the Police Review and Recommend committee as they evaluate this case and others. The City will also explore new public resources and educational programming around sexual assault topics. 

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or domestic violence, know survivors, or have information concerning the David Farley investigation, the City of West Linn Police Department is committed to assisting and helping. To submit a report, please call non-emergency dispatch at 503-635-0238. This monitored and recorded number is available 24 hours a day, every day. 

The City welcomes questions and suggestions and looks forward to ongoing dialogue with community members. Contact City Manager John Williams and staff by email, have coffee with Chief of Police Peter Mahuna, or call or drop by during business hours. Press queries should be directed to dchoi@westlinnoregon.gov or 971-303-1236.

The following local and national organizations may also be helpful. For personalized discussion and referral, please contact WLPD’s Behavioral Health Specialist and licensed mental health professional, Amber Hambrick, by calling the 24-hour non-emergency dispatch line at 503-635-0238. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. 

National Sexual Assault Hotline

Hours: Available 24 hours 

1-800-656-4673

Clackamas County 

503-655-8616 (24-hour line) or email: victimsassistance@clackamas.us

Clackamas Women’s Services 

https://www.cwsor.org

Victim’s Rights Law Center 

https://victimrights.org

Russian Oregon Social Services 

https://emoregon.org/ross/ross-dv/

Projecto Unica 

https://elprograma.org/our-services/unica/

Tri-County Resources (directory located at the West Linn Library)

503-656-7853

1595 Burns Street

West Linn, OR 97068

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